Refund and Returns Policy – Buy Premium Whisky Online Canada with Confidence
REFUND AND RETURNS POLICY – VINTAGE WHISKY SHOP CANADA
Order online today from Vintage Whisky Shop with complete confidence. As a Canada-based retailer of premium authentic whisky, we want you to be completely satisfied with every purchase. This refund and returns policy outlines your rights and our commitments when you buy whisky online Canada from us.
We comply with all Canadian federal and provincial consumer protection laws. Our policy is designed to be fair, transparent, and customer-focused.
SECTION 1: RETURNS FOR UNOPENED BOTTLES
Returns for Unopened, Sealed Bottles – 14 Day Window
If you change your mind about a purchase, you may return unopened, sealed bottles within 14 days of delivery for a full refund.
Eligibility requirements:
- The bottle must be unopened – original distillery seal fully intact
- The bottle must be in original packaging – including any boxes, tubes, or presentation cases
- The bottle must be in resalable condition – no damage to labels, capsules, or packaging
- You must provide your order number and proof of purchase
How to return unopened bottles:
- Email returns@vintagewhiskyshops.com within 14 days of delivery
- Include your order number and the bottle(s) you wish to return
- We will provide you with return shipping instructions
- Pack the bottle securely in original packaging
- Ship the bottle back to us using a tracked shipping method
Important notes:
- Buyer pays return shipping for change-of-mind returns
- Shipping costs are non-refundable
- We recommend using tracked shipping – we are not responsible for lost returns
- Refunds are issued within 5-7 business days of receiving the returned bottle
SECTION 2: DAMAGED OR DEFECTIVE BOTTLES
Damaged Bottle Replacement – Free of Charge
We take packaging very seriously. However, despite our best efforts, bottles can sometimes be damaged during transit. If your bottle arrives damaged or defective, we will replace it free of charge or issue a full refund.
Eligibility requirements:
- You must report the damage within 48 hours of delivery
- You must provide clear photos of the damage
What to photograph:
- The outer packaging before opening (showing any damage)
- The damaged bottle inside its packaging
- The shipping label on the box
- The bottle seal (if broken) or leakage
How to report damaged bottles:
- Email info@vintagewhiskyshops.com within 48 hours of delivery
- Include your order number
- Attach photos as described above
- Describe the damage
What happens next:
- We review your claim within 24 hours
- If approved, we ship a replacement bottle at no cost
- Replacement ships via fast delivery – typically within 48 hours
- If the bottle is out of stock, we offer a full refund or store credit equal to 110% of your purchase price
Do not throw away damaged bottles – we may ask you to retain the bottle for inspection or to provide additional photos.
SECTION 3: DEFECTIVE OR AUTHENTICITY ISSUES
Defective Bottle or Authenticity Concern – Full Guarantee
Authentic vintage whisky Canada is our promise. If you believe a bottle is defective (corked, spoiled, cork fell into whisky) or inauthentic, contact us immediately.
How to report authenticity or defect issues:
- Email info@vintagewhiskyshops.com within 14 days of delivery
- Include your order number
- Provide detailed description of the issue
- Attach photos of the bottle, seal, and any visible defects
What happens next:
- We review your claim within 24 hours
- If the bottle is defective, we offer replacement or full refund
- If authenticity is questioned, we will investigate with our supplier
- If the bottle is found to be inauthentic (which has never happened), you receive:
- Full refund of your purchase price
- Replacement bottle of equal or greater value
- Our sincere apologies
Our authenticity guarantee is unconditional. We stand behind every bottle we sell.
SECTION 4: ORDER CANCELLATION
Cancel Your Order – Within 2 Hours of Placing
We process orders quickly to ensure fast delivery across Canada. This means you have a limited window to cancel your order.
You can cancel your order if:
- You cancel within 2 hours of placing the order
- The order has not yet been dispatched from our warehouse
How to cancel:
- Email info@vintagewhiskyshops.com immediately
- Include your order number and “CANCEL ORDER” in the subject line
- Call 1-800-555-0123 for fastest cancellation if within 2 hours
After 2 hours or after dispatch:
- If your order has already been dispatched, you cannot cancel
- You may still return unopened bottles under our 14-day returns policy (buyer pays return shipping)
Refunds for cancelled orders:
- Refunds are processed within 24 hours of cancellation
- Refund issued to original payment method
- No cancellation fees
SECTION 5: WRONG ITEM SHIPPED
Incorrect Item Received – We Fix It Fast
If you receive the wrong bottle, we will make it right immediately.
What to do:
- Email info@vintagewhiskyshops.com within 7 days of delivery
- Include your order number
- Attach a photo of the bottle you received
- Describe the discrepancy
What happens next:
- We confirm the error within 4 hours
- You have two options:
- Keep the wrong bottle at no charge, and we ship the correct bottle to you
- Return the wrong bottle (we provide prepaid shipping label) and we ship the correct bottle
We cover all shipping costs for incorrect item returns.
SECTION 6: REFUND PROCESSING
How Refunds Are Processed – Timeline and Method
Once we receive and inspect your returned bottle, we process refunds as follows:
Refund timeline:
| Step | Timeframe |
|---|---|
| Return package received at our warehouse | Day 0 |
| Inspection of returned bottle | 1-2 business days |
| Refund processed | Within 24 hours of inspection |
| Refund appears in your account | 3-7 business days (depends on your bank) |
Total refund time – Typically 5-10 business days from when you ship your return.
Refund method:
- Refunds are issued to your original payment method
- Credit card refunds may take 3-7 business days to appear on your statement
- PayPal refunds typically appear within 24 hours
- Interac e-Transfer refunds are sent to your original email address within 24 hours
Partial refunds:
- Partial refunds may be issued for:
- Returns where the bottle is not in original condition
- Returns received after 14 days
- Returns missing original packaging
SECTION 7: NON-RETURNABLE ITEMS
What Cannot Be Returned
For health, safety, and regulatory reasons, the following items cannot be returned:
| Item Type | Reason |
|---|---|
| Opened bottles | Cannot be resold due to health regulations |
| Bottles with broken seals | Cannot verify contents are original |
| Gift cards | Treated as cash equivalents |
| Limited edition bottles (opened) | Cannot be replaced |
| Custom gift sets (personalised) | Made to order |
If you are unsure whether your bottle is returnable, contact us before opening it.
SECTION 8: INTERNATIONAL RETURNS
Returns from Outside Canada
We currently ship only within Canada. As a Canada-based retailer, we do not process returns from international addresses. If you are outside Canada and received a bottle as a gift, please contact us directly to discuss options.
SECTION 9: WARRANTY
Our Warranty – 100% Authenticity Guarantee
Every bottle sold by Vintage Whisky Shop comes with our 100% authenticity guarantee for the life of the bottle.
What our warranty covers:
- Authenticity – the bottle is genuine and as described
- Condition – the bottle is undamaged at time of shipment (except where noted for vintage bottles)
- Seal integrity – the bottle has not been tampered with
What our warranty does not cover:
- Normal evaporation of older vintage bottles (expected)
- Changes in flavour after opening
- Damage caused by improper storage after delivery
- Loss or theft after delivery
To make a warranty claim: Email info@vintagewhiskyshops.com with your order number, photos, and description of the issue.
SECTION 10: SHIPPING COSTS FOR RETURNS
Who Pays for Return Shipping?
| Reason for Return | Who Pays Shipping | Refund of Original Shipping |
|---|---|---|
| Change of mind (unopened) | Buyer | No |
| Damaged in transit | Vintage Whisky Shop | Yes |
| Defective bottle | Vintage Whisky Shop | Yes |
| Authenticity concern | Vintage Whisky Shop | Yes |
| Wrong item shipped | Vintage Whisky Shop | Yes |
| Order cancelled (within 2 hours) | N/A | Yes |
